If you were hurt or lost a family member in a truck crash, it’s crucial to seek assistance from an experienced Houston truck accident attorney at Baumgartner Law Firm. Truck accident victims need a strong legal advocate to get full compensation and protect their rights.
Our team of Houston truck accident attorneys at Baumgartner Law Firm has been winning cases for 38 years. We are undefeated in trucking cases and get top results. Contact the best truck accident attorney in Houston today for a free consultation, and let us help you through this tough time.
Call us today for a FREE CONSULTATION.
Greg Baumgartner is Committed to Your Case After a Serious Truck Accident in Houston
Meet Greg Baumgartner
Greg Baumgartner is the founder of Baumgartner Law Firm. He has spent the last three decades helping clients in Houston and across Texas. Greg represents those who have been severely injured or have lost a loved one. Many legal groups have recognized Greg's successes against trucking companies and other defendants in personal injury and wrongful death cases.
Why Choose Baumgartner Law Firm?
At Baumgartner Law Firm, our 18-wheeler accident lawyer in Houston, is committed to getting the compensation you deserve. Here’s why we are the right choice to represent you:
- Undefeated in Truck Accident Cases– We have a proven track record of winning truck accident cases.
- Over 38 Years of Experience– Our extensive experience in commercial vehicle accident claims ensures you get expert legal representation.
- Recognized Expertise– Professional legal groups have acknowledged our expertise in truck accidents.
- Multimillion-Dollar Results– We have secured numerous multimillion-dollar results for our truck accident clients.
- No Win, No Fee– We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we don’t get paid unless we win your case.
Choose Baumgartner Law Firm for experienced legal assistance in truck accident cases. Our firm has a proven track record of maximizing compensation for victims.
How Our Houston Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help You
Our Houston, Texas-based trucking accident law firm specializes in truck accident cases. We provide the personal attention you deserve to get fair compensation for your injuries. Here’s how we can help:
- Dealing with the truck drivers’ insurance company on your behalf.
- Analyzing how the crash occurred.
- Negotiating with your own insurance company.
- Doing the legwork on your case.
- Helping you get medical care or physical therapy.
- Evaluating the case and getting evidence.
- Looking for violations of federal trucking regulations.
- Obtaining your medical records and bills.
- Getting information from the local police department or law enforcement agencies.
- Negotiating fair compensation for your injuries.
- Retaining experts to win your case.
- Filing a personal injury lawsuit to hold the driver and the trucking company accountable if needed.
The sooner you contact our truck accident law firm, the better. We will fight for justice for you! Always check the capabilities and reputation of the truck accident law firms you are considering before deciding.
Looking for a lawyer for an 18-wheeler accident? Call our Houston truck accident lawyer for a FREE CONSULTATION.
What Evidence Do I Need for a Truck Accident Lawsuit?
If there is a bad injury or deadly truck crash in Houston, the police will look into it and may recreate what happened. However, don’t rely on the authorities to gather all the necessary evidence. Important evidence might not be included in the crash report or police investigation. Trucking accident law firms need to do their own investigation to help win your case.
Why Early Evidence Collection is Necessary
Hiring a truck accident attorney right after the crash can help your case by getting and keeping important evidence.
Truck accidents involve complex evidence. An experienced trucking accident lawyer can quickly start an investigation to secure crucial evidence such as:
– Accident Scene– Photos, skid marks, and debris that reveal accident details.
– Vehicle Damage– Detailed damage documentation is needed to determine the impact and causes.
– Electronic Data– Information from devices in trucks that record speed, braking, and driver hours, like ELDs and EDRs.
After our truck accident lawyer files a personal injury lawsuit, we compare our investigation with the discovery we get from the defendants. We often find that the driver or the company violated regulations. Our Houston truck accident law firm will quickly investigate your claim if you have us on your side.
Houston truck accident lawyers at Baumgartner Law Firm have been successful for 38 years. They have won numerous cases and obtained millions of dollars for injured clients in truck accidents.
If you have been injured in a truck accident and feel the truck driver was at fault, call our Houston truck accident lawyers for a FREE CONSULTATION. We will use our decades of expertise to help you.
What to Do After a Commercial Vehicle Crash
We suggest doing the following at the scene if you were hit by a large truck or involved in a trucking accident:
- Call the police if you are able
- Cooperate with the police officer
- Exchange Information with the other driver
- Identify witnesses
- Take photos or a video of the scene and vehicles
- If injured, report it to first responders
- If necessary, take the ambulance to the hospital
- Keep track of your medical bills and lost wages
Call our Texas truck accident lawyers for help with a serious truck accident. You will not find more experienced truck accident lawyers in Lone Star State!
Call our Houston truck accident attorney for a Free Case Evaluation and learn your rights and options.
Who Can Be Liable in a Trucking Accident Case?
Determining who is responsible for a truck accident needs a detailed investigation. At Baumgartner Law Firm, we understand how complicated these cases can be and are here to help you find answers. Our team will carefully review the accident to determine who caused your injuries and losses.
The driver and trucking company are probably responsible, but others may also share the blame. We have successfully sued various entities, including:
– Truck manufacturers
– Shipping or loading companies
– Truck maintenance companies
– Passenger vehicle drivers
Our lawyers understand that truck accidents are often caused by the driver’s actions and the trucking company’s supervision. However, we also consider other factors, like faulty truck parts or poor maintenance, which can contribute to these accidents. Our investigations look beyond the immediate parties involved to consider all possible sources of liability.
Expertise is vital when choosing big rig accident law firms. Call us now for a FREE CASE EVALUATION!
Baumgartner Law Firm – Winning Truck Accidents Cases in Houston, TX Since 1985
We are committed to thorough investigations and ensuring you have skilled legal representation. Choosing who to sue for damages in a truck accident case is complicated. It’s important to have a skilled truck accident lawyer to help you navigate the process. Our lawyer will help with the semi-truck accident case, fight for your rights, and seek the compensation you deserve.
How Much Is My Houston Truck Accident Case Worth?
Truck accident injuries can be worth different amounts based on who is at fault, how severe your injuries are, and if you share some blame. Call our Houston truck accident lawyers for a free case evaluation. We look at all the factors in your accident and give you a straightforward and honest opinion on your case’s worth.
After an accident with commercial trucks, you may be eligible to claim several kinds of damages. In Texas, these can include both economic and non-economic damages:
1. Medical Costs: This covers expenses for hospitalization, surgeries, medication, rehabilitation, and any ongoing medical treatments needed because of the accident.
2. Physical Pain: You can receive compensation for physical pain from the truck accident both now and in the future.
3. Mental Anguish: Damages to address the emotional distress, psychological trauma, anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) resulting from the accident.
4. Physical limitations from the accident, such as paralysis, limited mobility, or reduced abilities, may entitle you to compensation. These limitations could be either temporary or permanent. The compensation would be for the impact on your quality of life caused by the impairments.
Disfigurement: Payment is provided for any scars, disfigurements, or deformities resulting from the accident. These injuries may affect your appearance and self-esteem.
6. Lost Wages: If you can’t work or make as much money due to your injuries, you can receive compensation for the wages you lost and potential earnings.
7. Wrongful Death Damages: In fatal truck accidents, the immediate family can sue for the loss of their loved one.
How We Use Trucking Regulations to Win Texas Truck Accident Cases
The commercial trucking industry must comply with federal motor carrier safety laws outlined in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations and adopted by Texas. Our lawyers have extensive experience with trucking regulations. They use this experience to win cases against companies and drivers who break the law in truck accidents.
Here are some of the regulations we evaluate in a Texas truck accident case:
Hours of Service Rules (HOS): These rules set the maximum hours a truck driver can work and drive:
– 14-hour duty limit with a mandatory 10-hour rest afterward.
– 11-hour driving limit within the 14-hour window, followed by a mandatory 10-hour rest.
– Weekly duty limit of 60/70 hours.
Breaking these rules can be crucial in securing fair compensation for injured victims.
Commercial Driver Training: A commercial driver’s license (CDL) is just the start. We push for additional safety training for heavy vehicle drivers. Truck companies must provide regular safety training. Not doing so can show they were careless.
Required Tractor-Trailer Inspections: Truck inspections are required. Drivers must check brakes, fuel systems, lights, and safety equipment before and after trips. Checks must be documented in daily reports. Failures here can lead to accidents and serve as evidence of negligence.
Negligent Truck Maintenance Proper maintenance is vital to prevent accidents. Our firm evaluates safety programs and uses deficiencies as evidence in truck accident lawsuits.
We are skilled at finding violations of federal trucking regulations at Baumgartner Law Firm. We are also skilled at proving negligence. This has helped us win many truck accident cases.
Call our Houston truck accident lawyers for a FREE CASE EVALUATION.
How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Trucking Accident Attorney Near Me?
Hiring our Houston trucking accident lawyers at Baumgartner Law Firm comes with no upfront fees. Our services are on a contingency fee basis, so you only pay if we win your case. This way, you will not face out-of-pocket costs during the legal process, as we cover all expenses upfront. Our fees range from 33% to 40% of the settlement or recovery amount.
Call our Houston truck accident attorney for a FREE CONSULTATION if you have been injured in a trucking accident.
Where Do Most Truck Accidents Happen in Houston?
Houston has four major interstate highways. These highways serve as a gateway through Texas for 18-wheelers and big rigs. Houston also has many state highways filled with semi-trucks and other commercial vehicles. The large number of 18-wheeler trucks on these roads is a major reason Houston has so many car accidents.
Last year, Harris County had 24 deadly crashes on interstates. There were also 31 fatal accidents on US or State Highways. Additionally, there were 41 deaths on Farm to Market Roads and 83 fatalities on County Roads. Beaumont 18-wheeler accident attorneys often see wrecks on Interstate 10.
Here are the major highways where most truck accidents near Houston occur.
- I-10 (Interstate 10) Katy Freeway
- I-45 (Interstate 45)
- I-69 (Interstate 59 or 69)
- I-610/610 Loop
- U.S. Route 59 (North of Houston)
- Beltway 8 (Sam Houston Tollway)
- Highway 6 (State Highway-6)
- Highway 225
- US-90A
- State Highway 288
- State Highway 290
- State Highway 249
How Long Does a Houston Truck Accident Case Take?
Truck accident cases can last anywhere from 2 months after medical care is complete to over two years. The duration depends on the need for a lawsuit and liability factors. Predicting the exact length of an 18-wheeler settlement is tough without knowing the details and cause of the crash. If liability is disputed or damages are substantial, the case will take longer.
A semi-truck collision is more complex than a car accident. If the responsibility is clear and the injuries are not serious, cases can be resolved within two months after medical treatment.
However, truck crashes involving severe injuries or fatalities will take longer to ensure maximum compensation. Generally, serious injury or fatal truck accident cases may take one to two years to settle with insurance companies. The timeline depends on the lawyers, courts, and specific facts of the case.
What Causes Most Truck Crashes in Texas?
What causes 18-wheeler accidents? Several factors lead to large truck accidents here in Texas. Texas has the most fatal and serious commercial vehicle accidents in the USA. Baumgartner Law Firm has fought for those injured in big truck wrecks since 1985 and has found the most common causes to be:
Driver Fatigue: Fatigue causes about one-quarter of fatal and severe truck accidents annually. Many truck drivers work under tight schedules, leading them to work longer hours than allowed, and often cheat on logbooks to earn more money.
Speeding: Large trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, making them difficult to control or stop, especially when speeding. Trucks need more distance to stop than cars; failure to maintain a safe distance can cause crashes.
Truck Overloading: Trucks must adhere to load limits. Overloading increases safety risks and can lead to accidents.
Defective Conditions: Malfunctions such as faulty brakes, seat belts, and tires can cause accidents. Poorly operating brakes are a common issue leading to rear-end collisions.
Alcohol or Drug Use: Driving under the influence causes 28% of traffic-related deaths in the U.S. When truck drivers are impaired, it can lead to devastating accidents and punitive damages.
Blind Spots: Trucks have significant blind spots. Accidents often happen when a truck changes lanes and doesn’t see a smaller vehicle. Distracted driving can also contribute to these accidents.
Failure to Yield: Truck drivers sometimes fail to yield the right of way, leading to accidents. Insurance companies often deny liability, but our firm has successfully obtained full compensation for our clients in these cases.
Read More: What Causes Truck Accidents
If you or a loved one have been involved in an accident with a big rig, call our Houston truck accident lawyer for a FREE CASE EVALUATION.
What is the Statute of Limitations for Truck Accident Claims in Texas?
In Texas, you have two years from the date of a truck accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. It’s important to be aware of this deadline and act quickly. The clock starts ticking right after the accident, so don’t wait until the last minute to seek help.
Hiring a truck accident attorney early on is highly recommended. A good law firm can collect and save important evidence from the accident, making it more likely for you to win.
Call our Houston truck accident lawyers for a FREE CONSULTATION.
Steps for Filing a Truck Accident Claim in Houston, TX
- Call the police
- Get needed medical care
- Consult with an experienced attorney
- Open an insurance claim
- Investigate the case
- Follow up with medical care
- Submit a demand
- Negotiate with the insurance adjuster
- Settle the case
- Funding day
Other Practice Areas Our Houston Trucking Attorneys Handle
At Baumgartner Law Firm, our personal injury attorney in Houston, TX, helps clients throughout Texas maximize their damages to get the compensation they deserve. We have recovered millions of dollars and represented thousands of accident victims. Read what our clients say.
Since 1985, our firm has limited the practice to serious injury and fatal accident cases and produced exceptional results in the following areas:
- Car Accident Attorney in Houston, TX
- Catastrophic and Severe Injuries
- Construction Site Accidents
- Daycare Negligence & Child Injury
- Motorcycle Accidents
- Drunk Driving Accidents
- Dram Shop Lawsuits
- Wrongful Death
Here’s What Our Clients are Saying
“DEDICATED TO HELPING HIS CLIENTS AND GOING THE EXTRA MILE TO GET THINGS DONE”
He is an attorney that is dedicated to helping his clients and going the extra mile to get things done. I would not hesitate to use him again and he is the only attorney that our family will use in the future. I honestly could not ever imagine such a great experience coming out of such an awful accident.
R. Alcorn
“I WOULD 100% RECOMMEND THE BAUMGARTNER LAW FIRM”
I would 100% recommend the Baumgartner Law Firm to any friends and family who not only wanted to the best outcome but wanted a lawyer who listened and upheld the integrity of Law and client to attorney relationship.
S. Arnold
“BEST ATTORNEY IN THE WORLD!!!!!”
Best Attorney in the World!!!!! I did not have a very high opinion of attorneys until I met Greg Baumgartner. He is the most decent and honest attorney I have ever dealt with.
K. Kaiyune
Contact an Experienced Truck Accident Attorney at Baumgartner Law Firm
If you were injured in a crash with a big truck, you should get paid for all your losses and damages. With our Houston truck accident attorney at Baumgartner Law Firm, you will be treated like family. Call us for a FREE consultation with a preeminent-rated trucking attorney.
You will always come first!
6711 Cypress Creek Pkwy, Houston, TX, 77069
Related Resources For Truck Accident Victims in Houston:
What Does a Truck Accident Lawyer do?
Next Steps After Getting Hit by A Semi Truck
Truck Driver Logbooks in Truck Accident Lawsuits
How to File a Claim Against a Trucking Company in Texas
Wide Turning Truck Accident Attorney
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer in Houston, TX?
Truck Accident FAQ’s
What tactics do insurance adjusters use to underpay and deny truck accident claims?
Here is a summary of the tactics we have found insurance companies use to defend truck accident injury claims:
Delays and Denials: Trucking companies and their insurance companies might delay the claims process by asking for too much paperwork, more investigations, or extra evidence. They do this to frustrate victims into accepting lower settlements or giving up on their claims.
Blame Shifting: Trucking companies might try to blame you or other people involved in the accident. They could argue that you are partly responsible, which would lower the compensation you are owed.
Lowball Offers: Insurance companies often try to settle claims quickly by offering much less than what your damages are worth. They hope that victims who urgently need money will accept these low offers.
Surveillance and Investigation: Defense attorneys or investigators for insurers may watch you or look into your life to find any evidence that could hurt your case. They use this information to question your credibility. The Houston truck accident attorneys at Baumgartner Law Firm can protect your rights from such abusive tactics.
What is the “black box" on 18-wheelers, and how is it used in evaluating trucking accidents?
The "black box," also known as an event data recorder (EDR), is found in most semi-trucks. It is an important tool for studying truck crashes and can provide key evidence in truck accident lawsuits.
In truck crashes, the EDR records important data like driving speed right before the crash, steering input, braking activity (including when and how hard the brakes were applied), and other critical evidence. This data can be very useful in proving negligence and key facts like braking and speed. We have used black box data in many trucking accident cases.
By quickly hiring an expert trucking accident attorney, you can take the necessary steps to ensure the truck's black box data is preserved.
What are some examples of negligence on the part of trucking companies?
Trucking companies can be negligent in many ways, such as making drivers work longer than legally allowed, allowing them to keep false logbooks, hiring unqualified drivers, not checking for drug use or medical issues, providing inadequate training, putting unsafe 18-wheelers on the road and not following the federal safety regulations.
Some of the most important evidence in a truck accident litigation is proof of safety violations.
What are the regulations for brakes on semi-trucks?
The regulations for brakes on big trucks require that every 18-wheeler truck be equipped with a visual signal to alert drivers during brake failure. This signal is typically a dashboard warning light. Additionally, all air brakes on the truck or trailer must have a pressure gauge easily visible to the driver.
By federal requirements, the braking system must also have automatic adjustment capabilities to account for the natural wear and tear of brake linings, drums, or discs. Furthermore, it is mandatory to conduct regular manual inspections of the braking system to ensure its proper functioning.
To comply with the regulations, truck operators must maintain paperwork that records any repairs, replacements, or new installations of brakes. This documentation must be readily available for inspection when necessary. 18-wheelers with brakes operating properly take about 1/3 longer to stop than a passenger car. Add improperly functioning brakes, and more crashes occur. We have found numerous instances of improper brakes in rear-end truck accidents.
How does negligent truck maintenance contribute to accidents?
Negligent truck maintenance can contribute to accidents on the road. A major factor is brake failure caused by poor maintenance. When a truck's brakes or trailer brakes are not properly maintained and adjusted, it can cause an accident when the truck cannot stop promptly. Tractor trailers take about 1/3 longer to stop than passenger vehicles, and when brakes are defective, the stopping distance increases.
To regulate safety and maintenance requirements for commercial vehicles, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets guidelines for truck equipment and components, including 18-wheelers. Specific state requirements supplement these regulations. For instance, an 18-wheeler must have a visual signal, usually a dashboard warning light, that alerts drivers to brake failure. Moreover, the truck and trailer air brakes must have a working pressure gauge that the driver can easily detect.
The braking system must have automatic adjustment mechanisms to compensate for wear and tear on brake linings, drums, or discs to ensure proper functioning. Manual inspections of the braking system are also required, and records of inspections, repairs, and replacements must be readily available.
How many truck accidents happen in the greater Houston area?
According to the Texas Department of Transportation, in 2022, in the greater Houston area, Harris County leads the pack in truck crashes with over 6,023 total big truck wrecks. The total for 2022 includes 48 fatalities and over 2361 injury or suspected injury trucking accidents.
Per the Texas Department of Transportation, in 2022, commercial truck accident totals for the counties bordering Harris include 2151 commercial truck accidents with 21 fatalities.
How are 18-wheeler accidents different from a car crash case?
Commercial vehicle accidents require specialized expertise in investigating and prosecuting a personal injury claim. Federal motor carrier safety regulations constantly change the minimum safe limits of conduct for truck drivers or trucking companies. Only attorneys with expertise in truck accident litigation should be retained to prosecute your case against a truck driver or trucking company.
Can I make a claim if I was partly at fault?
In Texas, we use a comparative negligence system, which allows accident victims to collect damages if they are less than 51% at fault for causing the accident.
Should I speak with the insurance company for the truck driver?
We suggest that you do not speak with the insurance company handling the claim for the truck driver and trucking company after a truck crash. The insurance adjuster often reaches out quickly after the accident and wants to take a recorded statement. They are looking for ways to dispute medical expenses, truck accident injuries or shift the blame to you. We recommend hiring the best truck accident attorney you can find near you and letting them be your spokesperson.
Why is Baumgartner Law Firm different from other firms in handling truck accident cases?
We handled our first truck accident case in 1985. That case involved a fatal truck accident in Texas, that included challenging liability facts (the deceased was legally drunk at the time of the wreck). Despite that, we were able to win the case and get compensation for a child and parent.
Since 1985, we have specialized in Texas truck accidents, handled hundreds of them, and won millions of dollars for our clients with truck accident claims- and remain undefeated in truck accident cases. You will not find a more experienced truck accident lawyer.
At Baumgartner Law Firm, we limit the cases we accept to provide the personal attention you and your case deserve.
We fight for every dollar and are not a settlement mill like many other “Texas truck accident lawyers.”
Call our Houston trucking accident attorneys for a free consultation.
How can I get started with a free case evaluation with Baumgartner Law Firm?
To get started with a free consultation about your truck accident with Baumgartner Law Firm, call our office at (281) 587-1111. Our legal team will be ready to help you. You can also contact us online or text us on the chat prompt.
There is no charge for speaking with a preeminent-rated Houston truck accident attorney at Baumgartner Law Firm.
We help folks hurt throughout the greater Houston, Texas area, including:
Acres Homes, Aldine, Bellaire, Briarforest, Central Business District, Central Northwest, Chinatown, Deer Park, Dickinson, East Aldine, East Downtown, East Houston, Energy Corridor, Fourth Ward, Friendswood, Galeana Park, Greater Fifth Ward, Greater Hobby Area, Greater OST/South Union, Humble, Hyde Park, Independence Heights, Jacinto City, Jersey Village, La Marque, League City, Magnolia, Magnolia Park, Mission Bend, Northside, Northwest Houston, Pasadena, Pearland, Pinehurst, Rice Military, Second Ward, Shady Acres, South Central Houston, South Main, South Park, Southeast Houston, Southwest Houston, Spring, Spring Branch East, Texas City, Tomball, The Memorial Villages, Westchase.
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"I can never express how grateful me and my family are to Greg Baumgartner and his team of truck accident lawyers in Houston. He took care of our injury case and got us a great settlement. Thank you for a job well done!"
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"I was hit in the rear by an 18 wheeler and was lucky enough to have found Greg – I was overjoyed with the results and highly recommend him."
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